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Running the York Street Project
By ARTHUR JONES
NCR Staff
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace's York Street
Project is a complex of buildings that totals 66,000 square feet, including an
old, refurbished hotel. The complex, directed by Sr. Ann Taylor,
houses:
- Kenmare High School, directed by Sr. Agnes Fox, which provides
women drop outs the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and to receive
job training.
- The Nurturing Place, directed by Sr. Barbara Moran, a child
development center for children whose mothers are in the high school or living
at St. Joseph's Home.
- St. Mary's Residence, directed by Sr. Mary Donohue, provides
accommodation for single working women, many of whom are recent immigrants.
- St. Joseph's Home, Sr. Kristin Funari's responsibility, offers
18 months of housing for homeless mothers and their children.
"They can't be actively using (drugs)," said Funari. "We love
12-step people. They're so self-righteous and they've been down for so long,
when they start coming up they're the best.
"We look for personalities that are strong enough that they have a
chance to attain independence," she said. "We don't keep people who are
actively psychotic. It wouldn't work in this setting."
And there's no rush. "Before we push the residents to anything, we
just let them catch their breath. For three months they can eat bacon and eggs
and ribs until they're full enough to feel that it's time, and they have the
strength. They've been homeless. Battered. They've moved from bed to bed to bed
for the last 5 to 10 years of their lives. They need time to heal. They need
time to feel safe." They have one or two bedrooms for themselves and their
children. Locks on their doors. A secure haven and a chance to start anew.
National Catholic Reporter, November 15,
1996
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